NS Code

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the key account manager and team lead for 10Clouds. I secure all stable commercial projects with all corporate clients and cooperate with vendors.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NS Code?

We were looking for a vendor to help us with staff augmentation.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NS Code provided us with React Native developers. They helped us develop a mobile app for iOS and Android for a large corporate client. We were building it internally initially, but at some point, we decided to optimize the team to change seniority on the project and bring in fresh blood. NS Code helped us with that.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four people from their team. There were some changes along the way, but we met four excellent developers. Also, we were in touch with their CEO and administration people; it typically was a flow.

How did you come to work with NS Code?

A mutual acquaintance introduced them to us, and we decided to cooperate with them.

How much have you invested in them?

We spent around $400,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project began in June 2020 and ended around February 2022, as our cooperation with that client ended. However, we still have a connection with NS Code.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We maintained the cooperation with a huge client for over two years. If it weren’t for NS Code, we would’ve had to end it earlier because we couldn’t provide reliable developers on such short notice. Moreover, we built a strong relationship over time. We cooperated closely as if they were part of our company.

How did NS Code perform from a project management standpoint?

Most of the project management was on our side, working directly with the client. However, we worked closely with their co-founder every week to ensure that everything was fine and the developers were happy.

We mostly used emails to communicate. Additionally, we used Zoom, Google Meet, and anything that worked for us at the time.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The cooperation with them was very smooth and professional. Also, there was a lot of human touch and honesty in our engagement. I wouldn’t say even one bad word about them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Throughout the two years, there was one situation, and it wasn’t crucial. They could’ve informed us about potential developer needs or negative feedback sooner. After I gave them that feedback, it never happened again.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be honest and share as much as possible about your project needs and your client’s culture of work so they can prepare the developers. Also, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone at crucial moments.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

HR-ME is a new innovative Job Board for IT Professionals located in Poland. Our main feature is combining AI technology to match candidates with firms via matching algorithm. I am the Product Manager of our company and I am responsible for product design and delivery.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NS Code, and what were your goals?

We hired NS Code for creating several web applications for our startup. The first is web app for B2B clients, where they’ve got option to see statistics and analytics about their offers. Then, the B2C platform where candidates can look for companies and learn new skills.

NS Code was responsible for backend and frontend (with React.js, Firebase and Node.js) development as well as hosting of the apps with usage of cloud computing technologies (mainy Google Cloud Platform and Firebase)

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We were looking for a reliable partner that could deliver the platform quickly and with strict deadlines. We are not a bootstrapped company, so we had to stick with investment rounds and milestones. My role was to find a company that could work with us. I have shortlisted several companies and after rounds of talks and price comparing we have selected NS Code.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

The whole platform consists of several web applications that are bond together. The first thing was to provide wireframes and designers (they were on our side). Then, NS Code’s team was responsible for creating timeline of work and then development works. We worked closely to deliver the apps quick. From our side I’ve been one of two points of contact with developers.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

2 Frontend Developers (React.js) 2 Backend Developers (Firebase, Node.js) 1 Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our whole platform is app and running. We are early-stage startup, so as far we do not have that much traffic on our website (while writing it is less than 50 000 UU per month). The web applications are working correctly and we’ve got high NPS from our customers.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We have been communicating the whole time via Slack and ClickUp. Occasionally we had to create a video meeting, to discuss our ideas.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to quickly adapt. As we were bound to investments rounds, sometimes we had to quickly change scope and adapt to complete our assignments. The NS Code team helped us achieve everything without any hassle.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Not really. We were very satisfied. When there situations that we didn't feel right about, NS Code responded to our feedback well, just like long-time partners.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Project Manager in The Software House - agency specialised in web and mobile application development hiring around 200 engineers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NS Code?

We hired NS Code as a team extension to develop a mobile application in React Native. Our main challenge was hiring quickly, a reliable and long-term software development partner. They were working with our on-site team and had direct contact with our client.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed additional React Native Developers for an ongoing project. We needed to hire quickly as the project team grew rapidly. The main goal was to create new version of existing mobile application, which is currently live in both App Store and Play Store.

SOLUTION

How did you select NS Code?

We were in touch with NS Code members before our initial project needs. We were looking for a software development company inside our network, and they reached out to us. We looked through several offers from other software houses, and eventually, we decided to start our cooperation with NS Code.

Describe the project in detail.

The application we have been working on is an app for the Moving Company based in the US. The app is being used by their internal teams and employees every day. The app needed a new version - the previous one was buggy and not working as expected. We redesigned the app and started developing it in React Native. NS Code's team was responsible for the overall app's architecture, developing the visual layer, and connection with the vendor's API. We needed some native mobile app development expertise, as the app uses several native libraries. NS Code also helped us to set up proper and mature deployment processes for our internal Quality Assurance Experts and Product Owner. The other challenge was that the app is being used on both mobile phones and tablets. Resolution scaling was a little tricky, but they have managed to do that.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of:

• 2x Frontend Developer
• 1x Quality Assurance Expert
• 2x User Interface/User Experience Designer
• 1x Project Manager
• 1x Product Owner
• 1x External Backend developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The developer is highly specialized in mobile applications development and the quality of code is on a really good level. Software development skills match our expectations and standards. NS Code not only comes with great mobile app development services but they also highly committed to the project. They are very open to us, and they frequently come up with new ideas to make the mobile app even better. We are happy that we started working with them. Our partnership is still ongoing.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

My responsibility was to keep to workflow clean. I can say that the workflow between us was great. We communicated over Slack, Jira. There were occasions that something happened, and they couldn't join our meetings, but I was always informed before. Also, they were not that experienced in Jira at the beginning of the project - due to the fact, that they didn't use it before.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I was impressed by how much they are involved in the project. NS Code is very committed and wants to do everything that is possible to push the project forward. I am very happy that we decided to start our cooperation on this project.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Every project has its difficulties, but both parties tried their best to solve them all. E.g. the estimates were sometimes a bit off. Fortunately it was not anything that harmed our project. All of us have learned their lessons

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a software house specialised in web and mobile applications. My role inthe company is Agile Project Manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NS Code?

ReactNative development

What were your goals for this project?

Upgrade ReactNative to the version from 0.59 to 0.63 along with all required dependencies to be compliant with Google Play Store policies in regard to target API levels.

SOLUTION

How did you select NS Code?

We have been searching for a partner through our network of contact and also a platform where polish software houses can share their needs in regard to staff sourcing.

Describe the project in detail.

The application we have been working on is a cross-platform mobile app used by thousands of users every day. It is an application used by players of a card game that is owned by our client.

A few months before the project start we spotted a risk connected with new Google Play Store policies in the area of target API level. The new policy stated that from the 2nd of November 2020 all new apps and app updates must target Android 10 (API level 29) or higher.

For this particular application, it meant that before that date we needed to release a new version of the application with an upgraded version of ReactNative to stay compliant.

What was the team composition?

The team consisted of

• ReactNative developer
• Quality Assurance Expert
• TechnicalLeader
• Agile Project Manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

This project was not a typical one for us due to the fact that we were working on a relatively small project which required only one developer. In the beginning, we have managed to set up an effective way of communicating and tracking the progress of the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I really liked how the NS Code team was engaged in the project and how much they cared about the success of it. Throughout the whole project, we have been in constant touch with their CEO and Account Manager who showed a lot of interest in our cooperation and made everything to deliver the upgrade in time.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I believe that the communication with the developer and other members of the 10Clouds team could have been better. Sometimes I lacked clarity on the progress or possible impediments, but it's important to note that this was mostly my responsibility to set it up and monitor, so there’s definitely a lesson learned for all of us.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Steal Alert is a startup bootstrapped in Poland. The app works like a marketplace for promotions of clothing, technology as well as others goodies - selected either by users or apps administrators. The main concept is based on our fanpage, but due to platform limitations we have decided to create an app for both iOS and Android. I am the founder of the project.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire NS Code?

I did not have any expertise in mobile app development. The main idea was to switch from fanpage to native mobile app. I needed experts who could take care of the whole process of creating mobile app as well as screen designs UX/UI. I was looking for a company that would complete the project from top to bottom.

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted to create a mobile app and then move Steal Alert's existing users to it. The app needed some backend functionalities (like administration panel, push notifications and so on). At the beginning of the app development I had a limited budget, so I looked for a good team for a reasonable price.

SOLUTION

How did you select NS Code?

I was looking for a software development company in many places. E.g. Facebook groups, my network, LinkedIn etc. After my initial conversation with Szymon, CEO of NS Code I felt that we've got a match. NS Code was at the time a young company, which really escalated quickly. Although, the company as it was young, all folks behind NS Code were very experienced in both business itself and software development. They have estimated the project quickly, but detailed, and we started our cooperation.

Describe the project in detail.

At the beginning we had some brainstorming sessions to visualize the idea of the app. As I mentioned earlier, I did not have any experience in software development. NS Code's team helped my understanding how the app will behave and how each piece of the app will communicate with one another (mobile app, app's backend and administration panel). I was very impressed about the transparency of the company.

They were very open to me about all my ideas and always wanted to make sure that we're going in the right direction. I was proposed to develop the app using React Native (mobile), React (web) and Firebase (backend). One of the main features of the app was Push Notifications. For that we have decided to use OneSignal.

What was the team composition?

2 developers, 1 UI/UX designer and project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The app was released in August 2018. The most exciting thing about the whole app was that it was rated #1 free app in Polish App Store (iOS) and Polish Play Store Android). A big challenge behind was the amount of users on our lunch day. More than 15 000 unique users on the first day. Right now the app has over more 300 000 unique users per month.

Also, we've got an impressive metric of over 99.9% uptime. I am very happy that we have decided to work with NS Code. Our cooperation is still ongoing. They still develop the app further, with new features and screens.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Project management is on their side, and I am so happy that it is like that. I am very proud, how quickly my ideas are turned into a working app. We communicate over email, Slack and ClickUp.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are very, very flexible. There are no restrictions in terms of our cooperation. When I need something delivered very quickly - NS Code was there. When I needed an more complex planning - they were there to help me out. I am going to develop new applications with their team.

Are there any areas for improvement?

We ran into occasional deadlines mismatch - especially during holiday seasons. However, they were not crucial from my business perspective.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Joke’s Over, a software house.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with NS Code?

My client reached out to me, asking for a mobile application.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

NS Code developed a mobile app for my client for both iOS and Android. We used React Native and TypeScript. They built custom components for the extension. There’s a timer for a cooking page.

We also created other screens. We did a release of product notification and a translation engine for the app.

What is the team composition?

NS Code provided one programmer for us.

How did you come to work with NS Code?

I met one of the founders through a Facebook group. We talked online a few times. When my client reached out to me for an app, I reached out to NS Code.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $2,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July–August 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The quality of the code is great. The client was happy.

How did NS Code perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management was good. We used Jira.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I like the quick communication and the quality of the app.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing I’d have them improve.